In the third and final part of this heartfelt series, Katy Harris and Penny Ruth Willis are joined by podcast producer and father Rob Spence for a real and honest conversation. Rob shares his personal experience of parenting apart and reflects on the emotional challenges fathers can face during and after separation.
Together, the trio discuss the damaging pressure of striving for “perfect parenting,” and how letting go of unrealistic expectations can actually lead to better outcomes for both parents and children. They tackle the complex and often misunderstood topic of parental alienation, and highlight the importance of recognising men’s emotional journeys during family breakdowns.
This episode is a compassionate, thought-provoking end to the series — offering raw, relatable perspectives and a reminder that there’s no perfect script for parenting through separation. Just connection, compassion, and a willingness to keep showing up.
About the Separation, Divorce, and Parenting Apart Podcast:Hosted by professional family mediator Katy Harris, the Separation, Divorce, and Parenting Apart Podcast provides expert guidance, real-life experiences, and supportive tools to help families navigate separation with clarity and compassion. Each episode brings together voices from across the family support landscape, offering hope, direction and a fresh perspective on co-parenting, communication, and healing.
For compassionate mediation support, visit Katy Harris at Mediation Matters Midlands: mediationmattersmidlands.co.uk
To learn more about NVR or access counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families and young people, visit Penny Ruth Willis at NVRnorthampton: nvrnorthampton.co.uk
Produced by Paragon Creative Studios.
